These Are 8 Of The Best Period Dramas To Watch While You Wait For "Bridgerton" Season 2

Pride & Prejudice walked so Bridgerton could run.

There's less than a week left until the beloved Bridgerton blesses us with a second season. But what exactly are we supposed to watch? Rather than rewatching the trailer over and over again, here are eight of the best period dramas to watch to keep you held over until then.

1. Atonement (2007)

Universal Pictures

I'm starting strong here with one of my all-time favorite movies. This romantic drama takes place during World War 2 and follows the aftermath of young Briony Tallis' misinterpreting an interaction between her older sister, Cecilia, and their housekeeper's son, Robbie. This movie will tug on your heartstrings in all the right ways while also giving you a taste of that complicated love that everyone is so drawn to with Bridgerton. Secondly, who doesn't love Keira Knightly? IMO she gives off Daphne vibes in all of the best ways.

2. A Little Chaos (2014)

Lionsgate UK

Now, this wouldn't be a list of romance movies if Kate Winslet wasn't mentioned at least once. In a lot of ways, Winslet's character Sabine De Barra reminds me of Eloise. Sabine is super independent and witty to a fault. Sabine was chosen by André Le Notre, played by Matthias Schoenaerts, to build one of the gardens for King Louis XIV. The romance is, of course, between these two headstrong landscape designers, and it does not disappoint. Though, the best thing about this film is definitely the over-the-top scenery. It makes me want to transport myself to some luxurious gardens ASAP.

3. The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

Universal Pictures

This one I picked for a couple of reasons, the first being Scarlett Johansson...like, c'mon. The second is because this movie brings all of the love triangle drama we love to see and are hoping to see a bit of in Bridgerton Season 2. Two sisters (played by Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman) fight for the love and affection of King Henry VIII. It's one of my favorites on this list, and it's guaranteed to transport you to the late-English Renaissance period.

4. Ophelia (2018)

IFC Films

Who doesn't love a bit of Shakespeare? This Hamlet reimagining is told from Ophelia's perspective, which gets major points just for taking all the attention off the men. There's, of course, a love story and plenty of drama. My favorite part? The fact that this movie is all about the choices a woman is making between her love life and herself. It's dramatic and absolutely beautiful.

5. Becoming Jane (2007)

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

THIS. MOVIE. Firstly, I just want to say that this is the second movie starring James McAvoy's on this list, as he just does not disappoint. And, of course, Anne Hathaway is incredible as usual. This movie tells the story of Jane Austen and her life before she was the author we know and love today. She is feisty and witty, and reminds me of a mix between Eloise and Penelope. The dramatic romance is bound to sweep you off your feet just like the Duke did to Daphne. A must-watch.

6. Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Universal Pictures

Once again, Kiera Knightly is gracing us with her presence on screen. This film is based on the Jane Austen classic novel, and it does not disappoint. I'm not going to give too much away, in case some people aren't familiar with this tale, but it has all the best sister drama that we got a taste of in Bridgerton Season 1. The relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy reminds me so much of the back-and-forth between the Duke and Daphne in the first few episodes. I highly recommend this one!

7. Little Women (2019)

Sony Pictures

If you have yet to see this after all of the press about it, I suggest you RUN to watch it. If not for all of the big names in this film (Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, and Meryl Streep), then for absolute joy that it is to watch. It's so much more than just a romance movie, as it shows the sister's transition from childhood to womanhood. But also, the romance is so beautiful. I could go on and on about this one, but I'll just go ahead and let you decide for yourself.

8. And Belle (2013)

Fox Searchlight Pictures

Perhaps one of the most talked-about aspects of Bridgerton was the racially diverse cast when telling the story and the reimagining of the time. Well, Belle does the exact same when portraying an integrated 1800s England. It is a truly powerful movie portraying the racist and sexist attitudes of the time. The acting is absolutely superb, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw truly shines throughout the entire thing. The romance plot fits perfectly into the raw and real struggles Belle faces. If you haven't seen this yet, I suggest you get right to it.

And there you have it. 951 minutes of movie watching. One movie a day will get you to the release of the beloved Bridgerton, and we can all get to drool over Anthony. I hope these films give you just a bit of an escape into that world we are all so eager to jump back into.

Netflix / Via giphy.com